When I first started going to the Bloke’s Lounge, had I been asked after the first couple of meetings what it is all about I could not have told you. It was all a bit loose and was hard to understand why I was there; I liked a couple of the men so I decided to give it a go.

Now it is completely different. The Bloke’s Lounge has found what it wants to be, it has morphed into a fun place for older guys to meet, arrange the next outing, walking, fishing, golf, visits or coffee.

It is a place where blokes can use their skills and abilities to help each other. A place where you can bring a problem and get it solved and if it is not solved you at least don't feel so bad about having it.

You can have new phone numbers that will have a friendly person on the other end. You can arrange to do anything without having to go through the Bloke’s Lounge. Just call one of your new friends that share your interests.

Someone asked me "where do you think the Bloke’s Lounge is going"? My answer was I have no idea.

We have to remember we are not like some other institutions whereby you take part in a regulated and conforming structure. The Bloke’s Lounge is not an institution with tight rules; it is a name for 30 blokes who can change direction at any moment.

You don't get fined for not attending a meeting. You don't get reprimanded for calling someone a plonker. You do get picked on for catching the biggest fish. You do cop a serve for chatting up young ladies on the beach walk. If you hit a really good golf shot you may be asked to do it again because we weren't all looking … and you do get the backing of all involved for coming up with a good idea.

We are not a volunteer group who go out to do good things as part of our reason for existing.

At first, this may sound a bit shocking and selfish. It is.

We are here for men to get together with men and decide among themselves what they want to do. If you are a volunteer there are many places for you to volunteer. If you are someone who just wants to talk, have lunch, fish, play golf, play cards, beach walk or a beer we are the place for you.

If you have something you want to tell the meeting or a story to tell, the president will allot you time in a meeting and those present will listen to you – mostly without interruption. They will listen and applaud your honesty or efforts and I can tell you from experience it makes you feel that people really care and you really are part of the Bloke’s Lounge because there are very few places where this can happen. They will even buy you a beer afterwards.

If you are looking for a message to take away from here, it is simple: the Bloke’s Lounge welcomes all men without questions, without background checks. Just come through the door and enter a friendly place.

Finally, you can walk down the road, through a shopping centre or be at a footy match on your own - as one member recently found out when he was in the departure terminal at Adelaide airport - and suddenly hear your name called and there will be someone from the Bloke’s Lounge with a friendly wave and a smile on their face.

It can really make your day!

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